Here is how Arsenal’s players rated following their 2-0 Premier League loss to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Petr Cech – Needed to be alert in order to deny a Victor Wanyama long-range effort shortly after the half time break. Cech was helpless to prevent Spurs’ second goal, a Harry Kane penalty, but executed more than one superb stop in the latter stages. 8
Gabriel – Foolish challenge on Kane to provide Spurs with a second half penalty and subsequent second goal of the match. Before being substituted for Hector Bellerin (6) after 75 minutes, Gabriel looked lost alongside Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal. 5
Laurent Koscielny – The Arsenal defender’s performance suggested why he was an injury doubt prior to kick-off. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Koscielny looked completely out of sorts as part of the Gunner’s back three set-up. 5
Nacho Monreal – Considering that the recently impressive Rob Holding was named as a substitute it was perhaps surprising that Monreal was deployed as a central defender. Monreal was unable to assist in Arsenal’s poor attempts to subdue Spurs’ attacking trio of Kane, Delle Alli and Son-Heung Min. 5
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Worked tirelessly in his unfamiliar wing back role, including doing enough to distract Dele Alli’s superb chance to open the scoring. However, Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared to struggle on multiple occasions when up against direct opponent, Spurs’ Son-Heung-Min. 6
Aaron Ramsey – Tested Hugo Loris in Spurs’ goal with a clever attempt that was palmed wide by the French number one. Ramsey was one of Arsenal’s livelier performers and attempted to drive proceedings from midfield. 7
Granit Xhaka – A close to woeful showing from the £30m summer signing. Xhaka was replaced mid way through the second half by Danny Welbeck (6) to end what was an unmemorable performance. 4
Kieran Gibbs – An ineffective display from Arsenal’s left wing back, who spent most of his time preoccupied with the offensive threats of Alli, Son and Christian Eriksen. 5
Alexis Sanchez – As usual, Sanchez was unrelenting in his enthusiastic approach to the game – despite a relatively unproductive showing. Sanchez was, perhaps, lucky not to concede a further penalty for an apparent handball when attempting to block a Son Heung-Min cross. 7
Mezut Ozil – An awful showing from Ozil, whose work rate and team ethic was non-existent. The Germany international put forth almost no significant contribution to the encounter and failed to impact on anything Arsenal tried to muster. 4
Olivier Giroud – Left far too isolated by his teammates and Arsenal’s tactical set up until Welbeck’s introduction. Until being withdrawn for Theo Walcott in the 81st minute, Tottenham central defender Toby Alderweireld comfortably marshalled Giroud throughout the game. 5
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